If you had told me a decade ago that I’d be the “go-to” person in my friend group for finance advice, I would’ve laughed. Back then, my idea of “financial planning” was hoping I didn’t overdraft before payday. But once I learned the power of having an emergency fund, everything clicked. It wasn’t about being perfect with money; it was about building a cushion so I could sleep a little easier at night. And trust me, there’s no better feeling than knowing life’s unexpected curveballs won’t send you into a financial free-fall.